Rocket City Marathon Reviews

  Great first marathon experience

By HC about 2023

Review

This was my first marathon, and I've only done a couple of hometown HMs so I don't have much to compare this to, but it was such a fun experience! Highlights include: the convention center is right next to the start so we were able to stay warm until 5 minutes before the start, the ablility to get a cheap but comfortable hotel 10 minutes away and had zero issues parking the morning-of, stoked crowds to cheer you on throughout the course, and changing scenery to keep things interesting. Without sweating or driving, my family was also able to spot me 5 times throughout the race which was really appreciated.

Slight problems: my watch vs the mile markers. My watch (along with everyone running beside me) lapped well before the mile markers by mile 4. I figure it's a watch issue as this is a certified course but it definitely made a difference. I was personally going for a 3:30 but if I had held that pace on my watch, I would've missed my goal. My Garmin/strava says I averaged 7:51 for 26.5, and the chip time has 7:57 on 26.2mi. Fortunately I came in under 3:30, but never caught the 3:30 pacer either so they must've been going too fast as well. I know the watches aren't perfect, but if you're going for a specific time, I might do a manual lap instead of letting the watch auto-lap to keep on pace.

  Generally Well Run Race

By M.S. about 2023

Review

The race is generally well run. They have a very, and I do mean very, detailed pre-race instruction guide. Packet pick up is pretty fast. On race day you can wait indoors for the start if it is raining. The course also finishes indoors. I never saw that before! A very neat feature. As to the course, most of it is nothing special. The one exception is towards the end when you run through the space camp and then a park with Christmas light displays. They will be unlit during the day when you run by. Still, nice to look at. The course itself is pretty hilly.

Race Tips

There are "rolling hills" through most of the course. They are nonstop. Several, involve pretty long climbs.

  Run if You're Local, Pass if You Aren't.

By Anonymous about 2023

Review

Pros:
-In all, the race was well organized.
-Race volunteers and/or Huntsville police were at all intersections as senteries.
-The start and finish near the Von Braum Center is convenient and easy to walk to if your hotel is in that area.

Cons:
-The course is much more challenging than it appears. Rolling hills are prevalent throughout, coupled with constant turns, which take a toll.
- I found the course exceedingly dull and lacking any soul.
-To be expected from a smaller city marathon, there is little crowd support. Most of those along the route were volunteers or police.

-This is a fine marathon if you're from Huntsville or a nearby area where overnight travel isn't a necessity. However, it's a hard sell if you're not from Huntsville. Even traveling from Birmingham, like myself, it's still hard to justify why one would choose this over a larger, more established race with a bigger expo, crowd support, and a more exciting course.

Race Tips

The course is more challenging than the elevation map visualizes. The combination of rolling hills and sharp turns will take its toll. Be ready for constant turns and rolling hills if you consider this race.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

If you're coming from out of town, get a hotel near the Von Braun Center if possible. Logistically, it will make your life much easier.

  Well Supported Race on a Very Interesting Course

By DB about 2022

Review

The race course was a lot of fun. Mix of residential roads, downtown parks, space center, botanical gardens, etc. The support was great. They had water and powerade every 2-3mi or so, and Gus at every other aid station. Not a huge race (<1000) but enough runners to run with most of the way (or at least have someone in sight). There were pace groups from 3:00 on up. The weather for me was an issue (57F and very humid/misting), but it was warmer than average for Hunstville.

Race Tips

Don't ignore the hills in your pacing. There is a good bit of rolling and a few substantial climbs. In particular, the climb around mile 14 on Governor's Blvd, the climb to the Space Center, and a couple climbs right after the Space Center were tough.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Highly recommend staying at the Embassy Suites downtown. It is connected with the convention center where the race is held via a sky bridge. Makes race day a breeze. If you make a reservation early enough, you might get a race weekend discount.

  Fun course - great way to see Huntsville

By LAB about 2022

Review

Huntsville is a cool town and this was a great way to see the city! Definitely rolling hills throughout the entire race with some bigger hills in the second half. It was rainy and humid with temp warm enough to run in tank top and shorts (at least from the perspective of someone who trained in much colder temps in Michigan). The medal is one of the coolest medals I've gotten with lights and a hinge that opens up. My teenage daughter who chose to stay home rather than travel to run the half, regretted making that choice when she saw the medal.

Race Tips

There was quite a bit of distance between aid stations - especially in the second half of the course. I ran with my own hydration pack and I was very glad that I did. I would have been extremely thirsty had I not had my own water with me. The course measured quite long for me - GPS shows I ran 26.61 miles. There are a lot of turns on the course so having to cross the road to turn right and then left and then right again definitely added some extra distance.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed at the Hampton Inn downtown and the start line was literally outside the front door of the hotel. The race started at 7:00 and walked out to get in line at 6:45.

  Great choice for Alabama!

By Kristen about 2018

Review

This race is very well organized, the race directors seem to have thought of everything. Follow their Facebook page, they do a great job communicating with runners, offering tips, and posting videos of the course.

Race Tips

This course is pretty flat, I only recall a couple small rollers, but those do come after the halfway point. Running through the Space and Rocket Center is awesome, and makes for cool race photos. I ran an even effort pace and PR'd.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn near the Space and Rocket Center, the course goes right by the hotel. It was a good choice as getting around Huntsville is pretty easy and it wasn't far from the start/finish, though the Embassy Suites is right next door to the start. Parking was easy, there are garages next to the Von Braun Center, and you get to wait for the start inside which is nice.

  Plan for lots of turns

By MH about 2018

Review

This race is definitely rolling hills the entire way. Not huge elevation changes but the constant rollers takes a toll on you so prepare for that. Also the race has what I considered to be an above average number of turns, which again, takes a toll on you. Overall the race was well supported, and fast if you are prepared for the rollers and turns. Was cold and rainy, which was perfect for me.

Race Tips

Prepare for rolling hills the entire race, and lots and lots of turns.

  PIB's Rocket City Review

By PIB about 2017

Review

RCM is a great marathon for first-timers and experienced racers alike! Any marathon is challenging, but this one is just the right amount of rollers and flat. The course gets tough between 17-20 when you get to enjoy unique views of the US Space and Rocket Center and the Botanical Gardens. The finish is awesome as you get to run into the Von Braun Center, which is an awesome way to finish! The weather can be variable, so plan accordingly. I've run this race in 75deg and 20deg. Rain, snow, and clear.

Race Tips

This race offers pace groups that ALWAYS finish within 1 minute of their target time. I had the privilege of leading a pace group in 2015 that finished right on the number. Also, the crowds are just the right size for the course.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Hotels are popping up all around the area, but there are only two within walking distance of the start/finish line. Dining options are on the rise, too. Check out Straight to Ale or Yellowhammer Tap Rooms at Campus 805. Ask around the expo where to park.

  

By Jim about 2016

Review

Great start and finish setup. A somewhat boring course but very flat, as advertised.

Race Tips

Try to run tangents (shortest straight line distance) at much as possible. There are many turns on the course which can cause you to run a good bit longer than the race length. My GPS showed 26.45 miles at the finish. This threw off my time expectations as I mentally calculated during the race.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

SpringHill Suites is a great value hotel for this race, just a short walk to the start / finish. I used my Marriott Rewards number when making the reservation and was offered early check-in on Friday and a late (2:00 pm) checkout on race day.

  Great race for first time marathoners!

By Anonymous about 2016

Review

Great race for first time marathoners! It was exceptionally cold (wind chill of 18) but 24 degrees. There were plenty of hydration/medical stations but I agree, they were spaced weirdly. GU gels were available also. It was mostly flat, but those small hills around mile 15/16 felt like big hills lol. They were rolling hills though. Loved the fact that we could stand inside the convention center before the race so that we didn't freeze. Finishing inside the convention center was awesome! Besides the medal we got a finishers hat and a nice certificate. Race photos were plentiful and FREE. Post race refreshments included bananas, grapes, ice cream, bagles, an assortment of breads, peanut butter, chocolate milk, and hot soup. They even gave you a bag for your goodies. Plenty of port-a potties at the race and good crowd support. 5 starts for this race!

Race Tips

My pace group was a little faster than they should have been, but overall the race course was decent except for those small hills on the back end.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Do your research on hotels that allow late check out. Unless this has recently changed, the host hotel (Embassy) didn't allow late check out in 2015. I stayed at Holiday Inn Express

  

By Anonymous about 2016

Review

This was my third marathon and I did really enjoy the smaller size. That being said, the crowds were extremely sparce, the aid stations were too far apart, and the finish was a bit of a let down. Finishing inside was great (it was 22 degrees outside), but the lack of hearing a crowd at the finish line really hurts your motivation on the final kick. One of the better finish line dining selections that I have seen. Tons of selection (sandwiches, drinks, fruit, soup, ice cream, etc) and tons of people willing to serve. The metal is pretty nice as well.

Race Tips

The biggest issue with this race was that this certified course actually ran 26.5 miles (reported from multiple runners the next morning in the hotel and my garmin). So BQers beware, plan for an extra couple of minutes of padding or you will not make the cut. The normal 2.5 minute cushion is 4.5 minutes here.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stayed at the Springhill Suites (very nice) and walking distance.

  

By SDL about 2016

Review

In 2016 it was exceptionally cold (I think 24 degrees at the start). This was not typical for this race, but running a marathon in mid-December in Northern Alabama, you should be aware of this possibility. The race organizers did the best they could because the start is in front of a large convention center (I never lined up to start, I just ran out of the convention center when the gun went off) and the finish is inside the convention center. Water stations were spaced in a strange way (although in freezing temperatures it didn't matter that much) but there were 13 on the course and there were large cups of water and Gatorade and there was GU available. My favorite part of the race was that there were no half marathoners. Everyone around me was paced pretty well and it wasn't over-crowded. The course had hills but it wasn't bad at all. Great support from the city.

Race Tips

There was no packet pick up on race day in 2016 although the expo closed at 9 so plan accordingly.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Don't pay for parking, ask where you should park when you go to the expo.

  

By py about 2015

Review

Very well organized. Very convenient start if you stay in Embassy Suites. You do not have to walk outside until the start. The new course is very fair.

Race Tips

Be prepared for any type of weather.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stay in Embassy Suites for convenience to the start and finish.

  

By Jaclyn B. about 2012

Review

This is a fantastic race for first-time marathoners! Aid stations at almost every mile, plenty of bathrooms, inexpensive registration fee and hotel cost. Nice swag: colorful tech shirt, nice medal and finisher's hat, good food after finish line and nice finish line pics.

Race Tips

Sign up early, as this race is small and fills up very quickly. Be sure to save energy between miles 14-15 for the incline at mile 16. Mostly flat w/ a small incline at miles 7 and 16; very fast finish.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Holiday Inn and downtown hotels are all on top of the start/finish line. I highly recommend Pane E Vino at the art museum for excellent, reasonably priced Italian food w/ pretty views of Big Spring Park (across from Holiday Inn).

  Put om by runners for runners

By Greg H about 2010

Review

If I could give more stars I would. From top to bottom this is the best marathon I have run in the 15 years since I started. Organization is great. You can tell it is put on by runners for runners.

Race Tips

It's really a flat course. There are some minor elevation changes, but nothing of note. I had a pretty big negative split. The last mile+ is all downhill and really fast. Not the most scenic course though.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The race starts in front of two hotels. Holiday Inn and Embassy Suites. The Holiday Inn is the race headquarters. You step out the door of each and you are literally at the start line. I stayed at a Holiday Inn 4-5 miles away and had to drive to the start. There was parking close by along the park on the street.